21^st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.

GATHERING BEFORE THE WORD 

Gathering Music: “Jesus is the Rock” Campfire Songbook p. 10 ~ Pastor Scott

Welcome and Announcements

Zoom Coffee Fellowship following worship in the church’s Zoom Room, Monday mornings at 8:00 AM and Friday mornings at 8:00 AM. Session meets August 24^th at 10 AM. Our next Zoom Bible Study will be August 31, 2020.

Prelude: “I Hear Thy Welcome Voice” by John Purifoy

Call to Worship 

You, who are many, are transformed to become one in Christ.

We, who are many, are called to worship God, the Three in One.

With glad and grateful hearts,

Let us worship God:

Prayer of the Day    

Ever-present God, who is at the side of every creature in creation, renew our lives so that we may discern and do your will, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Hymn of Praise #363 “Rejoice, the Lord is King”

Invitation to Healing

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  Confident in this ever-gracious, never-failing help, we come before the Lord, seeking our wholeness, that we might heal others, too.

Prayer Seeking Wholeness

Forgiving God, we confess that we are conformed to this world.  We conform to this world’s frantic pace, too hectic to notice all the blessings you provide.  We conform to this world’s reckless waste, exploiting what you entrust to our care.  We conform to this world’s shallow values, oblivious to the giftedness of people different from us.  We conform to the world’s impatient attitudes, preferring the latest instead of the lasting.  Forgive our conformity and transform us, O God.  We pray in Jesus’ name.   Please continue in silent prayer.

After a moment of silent personal confession, continue in prayerful song:

Kyrie: Hymn #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy!”

Assurance of God’s Presence and Offering a Sign of Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say: Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another. The Lord be with you! And also with you!  Please share a sign of peace.

Hymn #591 “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah!” (Chorus 2x)

Celebrating Joys – Where we have seen God at work

Sung Response #628 “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord”

HEARING THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

God of revelation, mere flesh and blood cannot reveal divine truth; only your Spirit can give that gift.  Be in my breath and voice, be in our ears and understanding, that through these words your Word may be known.  Amen.

Bible Story for the Young at Heart based on: Exodus 1:8-2:10

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Epistle Reading: Romans 12:1-8

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: “At the Crossroads Again” ~ Rev. Dr. Scott T. Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection. 

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Hymn #322 “We Are One in Christ Jesus” (“Somos uno en Cristo”)

Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of Belhar:

We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation
in and through Jesus Christ.
We believe that the church is called to be the salt of the earth
and the light of the world.
We believe that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker.
We believe that the church is witness
both by word and by deed
to the new heaven and the new earth
in which righteousness dwells.


Intercessory Prayers of the People

Call and response: “Lord in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”

The Lord’s Prayer

Page 35 (p.40, Español) Glory to God Hymnal; “…debts…debtors…”

Invitation to Present Our Offerings

Freely we have been given, let us freely give.

Members, friends, and guests: Church expenses total roughly $1900 a month. Thank you for your commitment and your generosity. Please make checks out to First Presbyterian Church of Trout Lake, PO Box 210, Trout Lake, WA 98650. Membership supports our ministry with a monthly tithe. For membership inquiries, the church email address is: troutlakechurch@gmail.com.

Trout Lake Presbyterian Church Mission Statement:

Living our faith dedicated to all God’s people through worship and action.

Trout Lake Presbyterian Church Vision Statement:

To provide a place for people of faith to be enlightened, renewed and challenged to go into the community and world to serve others by meeting physical and spiritual needs.

An Offering of Prayerful Poetry

BEARING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD

Closing Hymn: #700 “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

Charge:

The word of faith is near you, on your lips and in your heart.  How shall others hear unless you proclaim it? Go now in the generous grace and favor of God.

Blessing:

May the generous blessing and favor of our loving, abundant God lift you, sustain you, and send you to the world with the gift of life!

Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Questions for Reflection

When have you succeeded in resisting the forces that seek to conform us to the world?  How has that felt like “spiritual worship?”  What are the ways you most readily answer Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”

Household Prayer: Morning

Today, O God, help me receive your revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.  It is in his name I pray.  Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Holy God, for anything I did this day that was pleasing to you, I give you thanks and pray that you use me to your glory; for anything I did this day that was displeasing to you, I beg your forgiveness and pray that you redeem me for your glory.  Amen.